Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery

The Sheldon Museum of Art, although a relatively recent addition to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has deep roots within the history of the University. Now standing on the location of the old chemistry laboratory, the museum itself can track its humble beginnings to the Haydon Art Club who worked to make art an integral part of the University.

 

The Haydon Art Club, which would later become the Sheldon Art Association, was first founded in 1888 at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. The club would house itself in multiple venues including the University library (1895,) now Architecture Hall, and Morrill Hall (1927,) until it was able to build the museum in 1963, which still stands today.  The museum was designed by renowned architect Philip Johnson, and was made possible by the donations of Mary Frances Sheldon and her brother Bromley Sheldon who, upon their deaths, left a significant portion of their estates to the Art Club.

 

The Sheldon would be recognize as the nation’s third sculpture garden in 1970, and also receive accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) in 1772. This was a prestigious honor as only 4% of institutions receiving such accreditation.

 

The Museum currently holds a collection of 12,500 objects in varying forms of media and continues its tradition of providing public outreach and education, as well as supporting new museum acquisitions.